NAIROBI, Kenya, August 13- Finally gold was the hue for the jubilant Milcah Chemos after sailing to her first world title at the third time of asking on Tuesday night at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow to give Kenya their second top medal of the competition.
Without home favourite, Mariya Zarapova, the holder of the Olympics and world titles heading to Moscow 2013, injured in training days before the start, Chemos ran a tactical masterclass, never exerting herself unnecessarily until the final 50m when she tore away from compatriot and former pacemaker, Lidya Chepkurui to stop the clock in a World Leading 9:11.65 as her rabbit turned competitor got rewarded with silver and a career best 9:12.55.
Ethiopia’s Hiwot Ayalew (9:12.84) completed an East African podium shut-out for the first time at the event as Chemos bagged the first world title in a race where their male counterparts have dominated for decades.
Having taken the third medal at the Berlin 2009 and Daegu 2011 editions as well as fourth at the London Olympics, the three-time Diamond League winner fulfilled her favourite role to perfection at a packed Luzhniki that was acclaiming their poster girl, Yelena Isinbayeva who also came through with the world crown in the women Pole vault.
Ayalew took the field through the first 1000m in 3:01.72 before Chemos, a front runner by choice took over proceedings from the fourth lap and crossed the 6000m looking comfortable in 6:11.36. At the bell, Chepkurui was the closest in attendance as the other Ethiopian favourite, Sofia Assefa, tripped over a hurdle and after the final water jump, it was apparent gold and silver were headed to Kenya.
Chepkurui attempted to up
LEADING RESULTS
1 Milcah Chemos KEN 9:11.65 WL
2 Lidya Chepkurui KEN 9:12.55 PB
3 Sofia Assefa ETH 9:12.84 SB
4 Hiwot Ayalew ETH 9:15.25 SB
5 Etenesh Diro ETH 9:16.97 SB
6 Hyvin Kiyeng KEN 9 :22.05 PB
7 Valentyna Zhudina UKR 9:33.73
8 Antje Möldner-SchmidtGER 9:34.06
9 Gesa Felicitas Krause GER 9:37.11 SB
10 Eilish McColgan GBR 9:37.33
